Clyburn Faces Controversy Over Sexual Harassment Remark

Clyburn and Representive Cedric Richmond were asked about the allegations of sexual harassment against Michigan Congressman John Conyers. Reporters asked the lawmakers about the apparent double standard of Conyers staying in office, while those in other

Washington, DC (WLTX) - Sixth District Congressman James Clyburn is facing a bit of controversy over remarks made regarding the allegations of sexual harassment against a longtime representative.

Clyburn and Representative Cedric Richmond of Louisiana were asked as they both were walking to a Capitol Hill elevator about the claims against Rep. John Conyers of Michigan.

Reporters asked the lawmakers about the apparent double standard of Conyers staying in office, while those in other industries have been fired or forced to resign following allegations of sexual misconduct.

Here's the exchange:

Reporter: "You guys can appreciate other men in other industries have faced similar accusations and gotten out of the way, resigned, stepped down far faster than he has (Conyers) right?

Richmond: "I don't know you'll have to give us some examples."

Reporter: Harvey Weinstein, Charlie Rose, Matt Lauer

Clyburn: Who elected them??

Reporter: So it is different because he is elected? (elevator door closes)

Politico ran a headline "Clyburn suggests different standard for Congress in sex allegations" while The Hill wrote "Clyburn on disparity in responses to sexual allegations: ‘Who elected them?"

Clyburn has not explained his comments, but he later tweeted, "the allegations against Congressman Conyers are very disturbing," saying the House Ethics Committee should conduct a prompt, deliberate and thorough investigation.